What is the ruling on the white substance accompanying red meat?
Chapter on Riba (Usury) and Exchange (Sarf)
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
The correct opinion holds that all white matter in an animal that liquefies upon heating and turns into oil constitutes a single category with the red meat. This ruling is supported by the statement of the Almighty: "And upon those who practice Judaism, We forbade them every animal with undivided hoof; and of the cattle and sheep, We forbade them the fat, except that which is carried on their backs or in their intestines" (Quran 6:146). This verse specifically exempted the fat carried on the backs. Moreover, this white substance resembles actual fat in its melting property, color, and intended use, thus classifying it as fat, similar to the fat found in the abdomen.
Supporting text
The Qadi holds that the white fat adhering to the exterior of red meat is of the same category as the red meat, and that tail fat (*aliyah*) and other fat are two distinct categories. He also rejects the notion that meat contains non-intended fat, because in his view, the fat mixed with meat is itself meat.